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fit for a queen

Queen Buys Warhol of Herself

09.28.12 11:08 AM ET

Australia has unveiled its official portrait of the Queen for the Diamond Jubilee on the same day it was announced that the Queen has bought four of the famous silk screens of herself for the Royal collection.

The Australian portrait, which took six months to complete, is by British-based Australian artist Ralph Heimans, who described the Queen as “the ultimate subject”.

He was allowed just one hour with the Queen, on March 21, wearing full regalia including – at the artist’s request - the robe she wore at her coronation, according to the Telegraph.

Mr Heimans said: "Because she’s an old lady and has beautiful kind eyes, instantly when she approached I was at ease... She's amazingly vulnerable. I wanted to be very honest.”

The painting was unveiled today by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, and will be at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra as part of an exhibition commemorating the Jubilee.